Britain & ireland 2015 KNow Before you Go A step by step guide to your Trafalgar trip Your insider’s journey begins Thank you for choosing Trafalgar to show you the insider’s view of Britain & Ireland. A wealth of experience has taught us that your journey begins well before you leave home. So we have compiled this guide to provide you with as much information as possible to help you prepare for your travels. We look forward to welcoming you on the trip of a lifetime. “Travel is in our DNA. It’s our passion to help our guests travel beyond the expected.” Gavin Tollman, Trafalgar CEO 2 Before you go Trafalgar’s transfer terms and conditions Travel Documents 1. Flight information must be provided to Trafalgar no fewer A couple of weeks prior to your holiday you will receive your that 21 days prior to departure. Once transfers are booked Trafalgar wallet with your travel documents and literature. they cannot be changed. These documents are valuable and contain a wealth of 2. Trafalgar only includes one inbound and one outbound advice and essential information to make your holiday as transfer. enjoyable as possible. Please read them carefully before your departure. 3. In the event of flight delays outside of Trafalgar’s control, the transfers will be deemed to be cancelled. 4. All transfers are based on group transfers. No refund is Passports and Visas therefore available for missed transfers, or passengers not using this service. You will require a passport valid for six months beyond the conclusion of your trip, with appropriate visas. Some 5. For London arrivals, you must stay at a London hotel itineraries may require multiple-entry visas for certain booked by Trafalgar on the night of arrival and the night countries. You must contact your travel agent or applicable prior to your departure date. government authorities to get the necessary documentation. 6. In the event of unforeseen events (such as road or rail It is the sole responsibility of each guest to have a valid works, strikes or demonstrations), Trafalgar will not be passport and necessary visas, as well as to comply with responsible for delayed or cancelled transfers. entry, health or other requirements of the countries visited. Luggage Travel Insurance Luggage Allowance Travel insurance is a must have. It is imperative that you take This is restricted to one large suitcase per person with out a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers you dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10” (76x45x25 cm) and the entire time you are away from home. Your policy should a maximum weight of 50 lb (23 kg). Hotel porterage of this cover the following: luggage is included in your holiday price. • Trip cancellation or curtailment • Loss or damage to property and baggage Hand Luggage • Loss of cash, traveller’s cheques, etc. Hand luggage should be one piece per person and small enough to fit under your • Medical costs and personal accident coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. This is your responsibility 30” Don’t forget to pack a copy of your policy, contact phone and should be carried on/off the coach numbers and instructions on how to claim in the unlikely with you. Please note that luggage with an event that it is necessary. adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach 19” Airport Transfers and cannot be accepted as carry-on luggage. Heathrow Airport: Transfers can be expensive, particularly Your understanding and cooperation is between the airport and your London hotel. But when you appreciated, particularly as it is necessary book your Trafalgar vacation and take advantage of our land for your safety and comfort. If a second and air packages, we have included a FREE transfer to and suitcase is carried, or if it exceeds the from London’s Heathrow airport and your Trafalgar hotel. For permitted weight and/or dimensions, a guests who have their own flight arrangments we offer you charge of €6/£5 per travelling day will be the opportunity to purchase inexpensive transfers to the door collected by your Travel Director. Airlines of your Trafalgar London hotel at a special group rate that has may have additional restrictions and may been negotiated by Trafalgar. Passengers will be picked up impose additional charges if you choose and dropped off in time to meet all flights booked to/from to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to London’s Heathrow Airport. its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. US$65 per person per single trip to/from Heathrow Airport Please note that airport porterage at the beginning and end Gatwick Airport: Guests who have booked Trafalgar’s Land of your guided holiday is not included. Loss or damage to and Air packages arriving at and departing from London’s luggage or any of your belongings is at your own risk, so Gatwick Airport are provided with Gatwick Express train please protect yourself with appropriate insurance. vouchers. The Gatwick Express train journey from Gatwick Airport to London’s Victoria Station takes 30 minutes each way. Guests then need to make their way from Victoria Station to their Trafalgar hotel and at the end of their trip back to Victoria Station. 3 Before you go Ensure that your personal and holiday details are written Trafalgar’s Express Check-in on a label inside each suitcase (including name, address, telephone number, departure and return flight details). Write Please register as soon as possible after making your only your name and destination address on outside labels. booking. Make sure that your luggage is in good secure condition, and By registering with Trafalgar’s Express Check-in, you are use a TSA approved lock for US security checkpoints. When ensuring we receive all the essential information we need to carrying fragile items, use a rigid style suitcase for protection. better anticipate your needs while on your trip. Check-in only your own suitcases. Do not carry items packed Other benefits include: by other people. Never accept packages or articles from anyone unknown to you to carry on board the aircraft. • You won’t be required to show your passport at each hotel There are strict airport security regulations on items that may • Your Travel Director will have all your important details be carried on board aircraft such as liquids/gels and metal immediately objects. Please consult your airline or travel agent regarding • You’ll receive useful information and tips before you go and these and other restricted items and how they must be compelling offers from our partners displayed at airport security checkpoints. We suggest you pack only essential items for daytime use in your hand- It should take less than 10 minutes to register and you should baggage, both for your flight and while on the coach. For have the following information ready: example, your camera, medicines, anything that you use • Your booking number and last name frequently or is particularly valuable. Expensive jewellery, clothing, etc. should be left at home for your peace of mind. • The passport details of everyone on your booking • The emergency contact details of your nominated person (should an unlikely event arise) Clothing & Footwear Please note, if you check in within 15 days of departure, For information on suitable clothing and footwear, please we cannot guarantee your Travel Director will receive refer to the listings under each country. However, a general tip your details. In this instance, please print your completed would be to make sure you bring comfortable walking shoes registration form and present it to your Travel Director at the as a number of cities in Europe are developing as havens for start of your holiday. All of your details are kept secure. pedestrians. 1. Go to www.trafalgar.com/express 2. Enter your Booking No. and Last Name What to bring 3. Answer all questions and click ‘submit’ This will depend upon your personal preferences, where you are travelling to and the time of year you are travelling. We generally recommend casual, lightweight, drip-dry clothing that requires little or no ironing. Laundry facilities are available at most of the places we stay, however, take sufficient clothing to last for about a week. Below is a list of items to consider packing for your Trafalgar holiday: Clothing • Swimsuit • Undergarments • Sandals • Socks • Hat • Sleepwear • Shorts/skirts • Jeans/trousers • Warm jacket • Pullover/cardigan • Waterproof jacket • Shirts/blouses • Good walking shoes General Items • Spare batteries/charger • Camera/memory cards • Medications & prescriptions • Power plug adapters/ converter • Toiletries • Collapsible umbrella • Insect repellent • Sunscreen • Travel sewing kit • Pocket calculator Packing • Plastic bags • Travel alarm clock • Water bottle • Sunglasses (screw top lid) When travelling as a couple, pack each suitcase with day • Sachets of washing powder • Money belt or holster and evening clothing for each person, so that in the unlikely event one of your suitcases is mislaid on your flight, you’ll still be able to manage. essentials • Passport (& Visas) • Travel insurance policy 4 Before you go • Trafalgar documents • Airline tickets Meals • Credit cards/pre-loaded currency cards Lunches are usually not included and individual requirements NB Do not pack your passport or money in your suitcase. vary, but we suggest you allow €10/£9 per day. Where evening meals are not included, the cost will depend on the type and Tip: Weed out your wallet prior to leaving. Only take the locations of restaurants used. As a guide, allow €25-€30/£22- essential identifiers like your drivers license and just two £30 per day. You should budget for drinks with meals and credit cards - one to carry, another to be locked in your hotel refreshment stops during the day.